Tabernacle Choir Joins 'America's Soundtrack' for US 250th Anniversary

The choir's inclusion in the commemorative music project reflects evolving trends in how Americans engage with patriotism and national identity.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square's participation in 'America's Soundtrack,' a project celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, is more than just a celebratory moment. It signifies a growing desire to connect through shared cultural experiences, particularly music. The initiative, spearheaded by America250, blends historical reverence with modern musical expression, showcasing how institutions can shape national cultural moments.

Why it matters

For generations, music has served as a powerful tool for forging national unity. 'America's Soundtrack' reflects a deliberate effort to bridge the classic and the contemporary, leveraging a universally accessible medium to foster a sense of collective identity. This project suggests a broadening definition of what it means to be American, aligning with a societal emphasis on inclusivity and recognizing the multifaceted nature of national identity.

The details

The Tabernacle Choir's inclusion in 'America's Soundtrack,' alongside contemporary works like Gloria and Emilio Estefan's 'America' and Karen LeFrak's 'American Promise,' demonstrates a blending of historical and modern patriotic expression. The project's initial release on YouTube, with plans for more artists to contribute, highlights the platform's increasing role as a central hub for national cultural moments. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' parallel initiative of donating food to 250 food banks nationwide further illustrates a move towards defining patriotism through concrete acts of service.

  • The Tabernacle Choir's performance of 'Battle Hymn of the Republic' won a Grammy award in 1959.
  • The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence will be celebrated in 2026.

The players

Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

A renowned choir associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known for their performances of patriotic and religious music.

America250

A national nonpartisan organization charged by Congress with leading the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Rosie Rios

The Chair of America250, who stated that 'Music unifies us in a way few things can.'

Michael O. Leavitt

The President of the Tabernacle Choir, who emphasized the Choir's mission to 'help people sense a connection with the divine.'

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

A faith-based organization that is participating in the America250 celebrations through musical contributions and by donating food to 250 food banks nationwide.

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What they’re saying

“Music unifies us in a way few things can.”

— Rosie Rios, Chair of America250 (newsy-today.com)

“We must help people sense a connection with the divine.”

— Michael O. Leavitt, President of the Tabernacle Choir (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The initial release of 'America's Soundtrack' on YouTube is planned, with more artists expected to contribute to the project in the future.

The takeaway

The success of 'America's Soundtrack' could pave the way for similar initiatives that leverage the power of the arts to foster national unity, with a focus on cross-genre collaborations, original compositions, expanded use of digital platforms, and greater integration of community engagement.